With Kristaps Porzingis out several months, and Al Horford unlikely to play every night, the Celtics will need to rely heavily on backup big men Luke Kornet and Xavier Tillman Sr. this season.
Through three preseason games, Kornet and Tillman appear ready to handle that increased responsibility.
“Our job is to hold it down,” Tillman told NBC Sports Boston’s Abby Chin after the Celtics’ 139-89 demolition of the 76ers on Saturday. “Each and every day, we’re working hard to prepare for moments like this. We’ll be ready, each and every game.”
Tillman, a midseason acquisition last year, averaged 4 points and 2.